September 2011 - The Planning Continues! (2nd Thread)

[dbaker375]

Hi there!
New to renting points from a DVC owner so I'm not sure if I can do online check-in. We're listed as "guests'

Does anyone know?

 

[Marblies]

We have a bit of a dilemma... We've never flown Airtran before, and actually haven't flown in over 5 years. Anyway, we have the option to choose our seats before for $48. Do we really need to spend that money or do you think we'll be fine with seats when we get there? Our only must is that one adult must be sitting with one child, other than that we don't really need to be sitting next to each other. How do they assign seats if we don't pay? Are we able to choose our seats when we do the 24 hr in advance check-in? Help! I'm so confused. I really don't want to waste the money if we don't have to.

I wouldn't waste the money on the seat assignment. No one else wants to sit beside your kids so people will move around to accomodate you and the kids. I love choosing my seats in advance and generally fly with airlines that do that, however this year, we are flying SW because they were practically giving tickets away. You do not get to select seats during advance check-in without paying a fee. You are assigned a boarding group in order that you check-in.

 

[basketkat]

We have a bit of a dilemma... We've never flown Airtran before, and actually haven't flown in over 5 years. Anyway, we have the option to choose our seats before for $48. Do we really need to spend that money or do you think we'll be fine with seats when we get there? Our only must is that one adult must be sitting with one child, other than that we don't really need to be sitting next to each other. How do they assign seats if we don't pay? Are we able to choose our seats when we do the 24 hr in advance check-in? Help! I'm so confused. I really don't want to waste the money if we don't have to.

I paid for the assigned seats last year when we flew Airtran, but we only had 3 seats so it wasn't as big of a chunk of money. Most of the people on our flight were families, so they all wanted to sit together too. There were a few solo travelers or business people...but it was mostly families.

If you're okay with not being together...I'm sure it will be fine. It's just hard to assume people will move because A: What if they paid for assigned seating B: They may not want to leave their travel companion, etc.

I am not sure how the seating works if you don't pay for assigned seating. I know on Southwest they have groups...A, B, and C...and families are usually in the B group. We are flying there Southwest, and I didn't do the assigned seating because from what I've read when you gate check a stroller you are in group B. Hopefully I'm not wrong!

Hopefully my rambling didn't confuse you even more!

 

[Mom2Cody06]

We are flying USAir and were assigned our seats when we bought our tickets. My dilemma is how to pay for our bags on our return trip? Can we pay for them when we check in to head to FL?? We tried to ask a Travel Agent about it where we bought the tickets but they were so NOT helpful. I am not paying for internet usage down so where can we go to pay for our bags? Will the concierge desk help you our with this? Anyone know??

Also I am renting a double citi-mini from OSR, anyone rented from them before? I know they have some sort of name tag on the back but I don't know what size, I was going to make a personal name tag for our stroller but am afraid of making it the wrong size, can anyone help?

 

[peachydreamyxx]

I paid for the assigned seats last year when we flew Airtran, but we only had 3 seats so it wasn't as big of a chunk of money. Most of the people on our flight were families, so they all wanted to sit together too. There were a few solo travelers or business people...but it was mostly families.

If you're okay with not being together...I'm sure it will be fine. It's just hard to assume people will move because A: What if they paid for assigned seating B: They may not want to leave their travel companion, etc.

I am not sure how the seating works if you don't pay for assigned seating. I know on Southwest they have groups...A, B, and C...and families are usually in the B group. We are flying there Southwest, and I didn't do the assigned seating because from what I've read when you gate check a stroller you are in group B. Hopefully I'm not wrong!

Hopefully my rambling didn't confuse you even more!

I only fly SW, and it is true that you are in Group B if you have children. It doesnt have anything to do with checking the stroller. They actually make an announcement that anyone traveling with children under 4 years old, might have been 5 not sure, stand in a section that is in front of where group B will line up. Thats the main reason I didnt pay to go in group A because I know I will be with my DS and DH regardless since we go with family boarding.

As with airtran, since people are able to pay to choose their seat it might be worth it to pay as well. Southwest only lets you pay to be in group A, but again you arent picking a seat so its still 'first come first serve'. Its a hard call to make because if a majority of the people on the flight all pay to pick their seat, then it might be difficult getting them to move for you. Just my thought anyways.

 

[MickeysMommy]

we have 12 days and a wake up....going to ASMusic...

I'm jealous!

I'm bringing my mother for our birthdays (hers is the 14th and mine is the 16th). Dad passed away 5 years ago and Mom has some mobility issues (back surgeries and just had her hip replaced) so I'll be "pushing" her around the world.

Hope everyone has a great time!

 

[L-Harper]

How much is it to do Pick-a-Pearl?

 

[ShhhQ]

I'm jealous!

I'm bringing my mother for our birthdays (hers is the 14th and mine is the 16th). Dad passed away 5 years ago and Mom has some mobility issues (back surgeries and just had her hip replaced) so I'll be "pushing" her around the world.

Hope everyone has a great time!

My DM also has mobility issues (also from back surgery and knee replacement... along with other issues). We rent a scooter from a local company so she doesn't have to be pushed around..... is this an option for you? Gives more freedom...

 

[basketkat]

We are flying USAir and were assigned our seats when we bought our tickets. My dilemma is how to pay for our bags on our return trip? Can we pay for them when we check in to head to FL?? We tried to ask a Travel Agent about it where we bought the tickets but they were so NOT helpful. I am not paying for internet usage down so where can we go to pay for our bags? Will the concierge desk help you our with this? Anyone know??

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/airport-service/
This should answer your questions. You will just be able to pay for them at the resort.

I only fly SW, and it is true that you are in Group B if you have children. It doesnt have anything to do with checking the stroller. They actually make an announcement that anyone traveling with children under 4 years old, might have been 5 not sure, stand in a section that is in front of where group B will line up. Thats the main reason I didnt pay to go in group A because I know I will be with my DS and DH regardless since we go with family boarding.

Thanks! I knew it was something like that. I'm glad you knew what you were talking about! LOL!

 

[basketkat]

How much is it to do Pick-a-Pearl?

$15.95

 

[sparks19]

What is pick a pearl exactly? I've heard mention of it before but I've never experienced it myself

 

[mickeymouseclubhouse]

We have a bit of a dilemma... We've never flown Airtran before, and actually haven't flown in over 5 years. Anyway, we have the option to choose our seats before for $48. Do we really need to spend that money or do you think we'll be fine with seats when we get there? Our only must is that one adult must be sitting with one child, other than that we don't really need to be sitting next to each other. How do they assign seats if we don't pay? Are we able to choose our seats when we do the 24 hr in advance check-in? Help! I'm so confused. I really don't want to waste the money if we don't have to.

We have flown Airtran for the past 4 years and this is our first year flying Southwest. We have always paid for seat assignments when flying Airtran because not being split up is important to our family. There may be many families travelling to WDW and many of them will have paid for assigned seats along with many other passenegers, and if they paid for seats ahead of time they might not be too keen on giving up their seat. If you choose not to pay for seats ahead of time, you can check for available seats at the 24h mark but they could be single seats scattered throughout the plane..it's the chance you take. I, personally, do not want to depend on the kindness of strangers to ensure my family can sit together, or inconvenience anyone else because I chose not to pay for seats ahead of time.

Travelling with small kids, the last thing I want to be stressing about is seats when boarding the plane, so only you can decide if the extra money is worth it for you We never considered it a 'waste" of money to ensure at the very least, one parent with one child, not to mention it takes the worry out of it

 

[Smile4Me]

So you got a little pixie dust early...sweet! It's always good to be able to sleep a couple of extra hours. Nice friend!

/QUOTE]

Thanks and I love putting the good fortune in terms of pixie dust!

Okay, so now that we're all getting close...what will be the first attraction you'll go to? I think ours may be Splash Mountain or Haunted Mansion.

For those who are going for the first time, I'm so excited for you to take that first walk down Main Street and see the castle for the first time. I still get tearful! OOOh it's going to be such fun!!

No matter where our plans have us going on that first day we always stop at the Magic Kingdom first and see the castle and go on Splash Mtn! Then we're going to Space Mountain since it was being refurbed in 2009 when we were there last. Then we are heading over to Epcot for the rest of the evening and the first ride there will be Spaceship Earth. On the day we do Epcot first will be Test Track or Soarin, DHS-Toy Story Mania for sure, then RNR, and Animal Kingdom - Everest then safari!

We have a bit of a dilemma... We've never flown Airtran before, and actually haven't flown in over 5 years. Anyway, we have the option to choose our seats before for $48. Do we really need to spend that money or do you think we'll be fine with seats when we get there? Our only must is that one adult must be sitting with one child, other than that we don't really need to be sitting next to each other. How do they assign seats if we don't pay? Are we able to choose our seats when we do the 24 hr in advance check-in? Help! I'm so confused. I really don't want to waste the money if we don't have to.

This is our first time flying airTran too, and we went ahead and paid for our seats together because you can see whats available and what isn't...and on our flights there wasn't alot left,,,especially not together. So we just went ahead and took care of it. Now since you have kids people are going to be more accomodating. I've never been on a flight where we have asked people to switch around so our party could sit together and had them say no. First check to see the availability through AirTran's website for your flight. Then just gotta hope you find some nice people-which there are plenty of in this world -if you don't want to pay to insure you will be sitting together!
Pixie dust!

How much is it to do Pick-a-Pearl?

$15.95 to pick one and then the cost of the setting you choose

 

[Cherinva]

Okay, so now that we're all getting close...what will be the first attraction you'll go to? I think ours may be Splash Mountain or Haunted Mansion.

For those who are going for the first time, I'm so excited for you to take that first walk down Main Street and see the castle for the first time. I still get tearful! OOOh it's going to be such fun!!

We're hitting MK first, but won't get there until 3pm....I'm heading straight for the Haunted Mansion...didn't get there in April and I want to see what's new...after that I'll let DBF decide where to go..oh, and I want to see the Enchanted Tiki Room too.....Getting so excited, I get to do our on line check in this Thursday..

 

[Smile4Me]

What is pick a pearl exactly? I've heard mention of it before but I've never experienced it myself

Pick a Pearl at the Japan Pavilion in Epcot is located on the main level of their main store. there is a tank full of mollusks (not exactly sure if they are clams or what) that have pearls in them. For $15.95 you pick a number and then can pick your own pearl from the tank, and then the lovely ladies working open it up and measure how big your pearl is! Then you can pick from a number of necklace, ring, bracelet, or other jewelry settings to have it placed in.

There are a number of other stands throughout the property where you can do this as well, such as Typhoon Lagoon and DTD. and I think maybe at the Beach Club near the Boardwalk. But I like Japan the best because they make a big deal and bang a drum and everyone stops to see your pearl! I have done it in the last threetimes I visited,,,and I cherish the souvenirs I've brought home and can wear them everyday! I've gotten two necklaces and a ring. Hope that helps!

 

[sparks19]

Pick a Pearl at the Japan Pavilion in Epcot is located on the main level of their main store. there is a tank full of mollusks (not exactly sure if they are clams or what) that have pearls in them. For $15.95 you pick a number and then can pick your own pearl from the tank, and then the lovely ladies working open it up and measure how big your pearl is! Then you can pick from a number of necklace, ring, bracelet, or other jewelry settings to have it placed in.

There are a number of other stands throughout the property where you can do this as well, such as Typhoon Lagoon and DTD. and I think maybe at the Beach Club near the Boardwalk. But I like Japan the best because they make a big deal and bang a drum and everyone stops to see your pearl! I have done it in the last threetimes I visited,,,and I cherish the souvenirs I've brought home and can wear them everyday! I've gotten two necklaces and a ring. Hope that helps!

it does thank you very much. I went and checked out some youtube videos of the one in the japan pavillion lol FUN. we may have to give this a try

 

[basketkat]

it does thank you very much. I went and checked out some youtube videos of the one in the japan pavillion lol FUN. we may have to give this a try

I've done it every trip, and it is one of my favorite things to do!

 

[haven_alise1997]

We have a bit of a dilemma... We've never flown Airtran before, and actually haven't flown in over 5 years. Anyway, we have the option to choose our seats before for $48. Do we really need to spend that money or do you think we'll be fine with seats when we get there? Our only must is that one adult must be sitting with one child, other than that we don't really need to be sitting next to each other. How do they assign seats if we don't pay? Are we able to choose our seats when we do the 24 hr in advance check-in? Help! I'm so confused. I really don't want to waste the money if we don't have to.

We flew Airtran in 2010 and I honestly don't remember paying extra for assigned seating....I know we all three sat together. When do u do this? I did my flight with my package last time and this time and I think last year I had to Call WDW to get my code info so I could do my 24 online check-in.....guess I will have to do this again. darn memory.....

 

[RFrank9504]

hey september friends...just checking my ticker I may be out of commission for a few days...it looks like this hurricane irene chick aint playing games and wants to come visit mickey this month too! I may be without power wed/thurs depending on when she hits...
hopefully it'll be a quick one and I can get on with my life. We have to take a few dollars out of vacation savings to prepare for the storm. its always something. As soon as my hubby gets home we are off to wal mart and home depot. its gonna be a zoo. keep us in ur prayers. I hope we dont lose power too long its so darn hot and humid. Oh trapped in the house with no power with my hubby and kids - this is going to be a loooooong week....

It always happens the first week of school-which was awesome. Both my kids had a great day-and I had a fabulous time with my own students. we are all looking forward to this year.

XXOO talk to you all soon!

 

[L-Harper]

We flew Airtran in 2010 and I honestly don't remember paying extra for assigned seating....I know we all three sat together. When do u do this? I did my flight with my package last time and this time and I think last year I had to Call WDW to get my code info so I could do my 24 online check-in.....guess I will have to do this again. darn memory.....

I had the option to choose my seats when I booked, but we decided at that time not to pick seats. I just did it though. You go to "My Account", log in, then on the left click "my bookings, then click "view" on your itinerary. Once you are into your itinerary I'd make sure everything is correct there. On the right hand side you can click on "change seats". That is where you have the option to pick the seats you want if you haven't done so already. Regular seats are $6 to pick and priority seats are $13 to pick. We decided that it was worth the money for piece of mind. I don't want us to get split up and I don't want to have to rely on others to move when they may not want to. I already feel less stressed!!!